There are many advantages of newspaper advertising that still make it a valuable marketing tool even in the modern age of multiple advertising channels. Newspapers allow advertisers the flexibility to choose the size and content of their messages and the ability to change the nature of ads from day to day. In addition, newspaper advertising reaches a wide swath of people in a geographic area who make it a habit to read the local paper. One of the other main advantages of newspaper advertising is that people have time to study the ad for all of its details and can even go back and look at it several times if necessary.
It is extremely difficult for advertisers to stand out in the crowded field of traditional broadcast media like radio and television. While newer technologies like websites and cell phones may offer novel opportunities, they are still relatively new channels which can be difficult for advertisers to manage. Newspaper advertising is one of the oldest methods of advertising available to companies of all sizes and budgets, and it can still be extremely effective when utilized properly.
The reach of newspapers, in terms of the number of people who read them within a given geographic area, is one of the reasons advertising in them can be beneficial. Although newspapers are declining in readership, many people still either start their days by having newspapers delivered to their residences, or read evening papers after their work days have concluded. A company or business that puts a well-placed ad in a local newspaper can be assured that a broad spectrum of people will view it.
One of the advantages of newspaper advertising, as opposed to advertising with broadcast media, is that a newspaper advertisement can be viewed many times. Whereas people might miss or ever change the channel on a radio or television commercial, it is hard for them to ignore a large ad in a newspaper. In addition, people can take their time reading a newspaper ad, making sure to glean all of the necessary information. They can even go back and reread it if they choose.
Another advantage of newspaper advertising is that it allows marketers to change the nature of their ads each day with ease. Whereas broadcast media ads take a long time to produce, a newspaper advertisement can be worked up in-house in a short time to be ready for installment in the local paper in a day or two. That capability ensures that newspaper advertisements will keep the message as current as possible.